Westside Trail Federation has been given the nod from Oregon State Parks and Recreation to commence development of a Freeride/Gravity mountain Bike trail network at Stub Stewart State Park. The development of this ground-breaking pilot program between Westside Trail Federation and Oregon State Parks and Recreation has been in the works for four years. This development of a Freeride mountain bike trail network is a first within an Oregon State Park.

Phase 1 of the construction plan for the Stub Stewart Freeride Area includes construction of both Beginner and Intermediate-level Freeride trails, including the development of a beginner “session” area with access trail to reach top of the hill where Freeride trails are located. Phase 2 of the development plan includes the development of advanced-level trail options as well as a secondary “session” area. The project area has over 200 vertical feet and has the ability to support many trails utilizing the unique landscape. For more information about the build plan at Stub- https://docs.google.com/View?id=dg4hj26s_28g27z6vrq

Other benefits include land managers now have greater confidence that W.T.F. is a viable public charity which they can depend on being around for the long-term. Additionally, we now have the ability to seek grant funding which requires applicants to hold 501(c)(3) status, such as the Federal RTP grant program.

Proposal is for mountain biking specific trails. They've hired Gravity Logic to handle trail design. This is same team which planned the Whistler mountain bike park trails.

Update 3/3/2011: "Big news today on the Timberline Mountain Bike Trails and Skills Park Project! The USFS has posted the "Legal Notice of Proposed Action" for the project, which marks the beginning of the official 30-day public comment period.

You demonstrated "need" for the project with your initial comments and emails. Now we need to demonstrate support for the documented plan within the next 30 days. Even if you sent a comment already, we need you to send another comment during this period for your thoughts to fully count in the approval process."

Polls

Would you be willing to pay for a Trailhead Parking Pass for the ability to park and shuttle a Downhill/Freeride mountain bike destination trail network on public lands? Proceeds of the revenue would pay for Oregon Department of Forestry staff time.